Operation Frodo 2024 to bring 22 rescue dogs to the Northwest

Published 8:03 am Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Two years ago, Portland TV and radio host Nik Miles decided to make a difference in the lives of several Beagle puppies that needed new homes. The challenge was that these puppies were located in Omaha, Nebraska, and the homes were in Portland and Seattle. MIles began “Operation Frodo” to drive the dogs across country in time for Christmas. That first year saw four dogs brought west to their forever homes. Last year, the second annual operation brought a dozen dogs to new homes. For the third iteration this year, the stakes are even higher with at least 22 dogs being rescued.

Animal shelters nationwide need adoptive families for pets, but often there is a waiting list for breeds such as Beagles in one area and a surplus of animals in another. That’s the case today, and once again the challenge is to get these dogs to the families who are waiting to welcome them home.

Operation Frodo involves multiple rescue organizations. Animal Rescue Rigs, a dedicated non-profit, collaborates with Basset and Beagle Rescue of the Heartland, which coordinates the canine logistics, and Utah, Cascade, and Seattle Beagle Rescues, which oversee fostering and rehoming. By engaging with a broad network of rescues and supporters, Operation Frodo saves lives and raises awareness about the plight of unwanted dogs in the Midwest.

Launching on Dec. 15, Operation Frodo 2024 will see rescue shelter volunteers and a convoy of journalists, influencers, and PR professionals driving cross-country to give this group of Beagles the chance of a better life. Each stopover includes a short rest, media updates, and a quick dog-walking session to keep spirits high among the canine passengers. The caravan will spend its nights at La Quinta Inns, which are famously dog-friendly.

“Volunteers sign up for a journey that’s physically demanding and emotionally exhausting but utterly fulfilling,” says Harvey Briggs, volunteer coordinator for Operation Frodo. “We’re not just moving dogs; we’re moving hearts. It’s a chance to be part of something larger, something truly life-changing.”

The journey spans five days, leaving Omaha with stops in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Boise, before reaching its final destination at Beaverton KIA, located at 12520 SW Canyon Road. There, eager families will greet the arrival of their new companions at an event sponsored by the dealership.

The convoy will include an impressive fleet of vehicles on loan from various automakers, including the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester, Kia Carnival, Genesis GV70, and Ford Explorer. These capable SUVs have an important job: ferrying these dogs safely across snowy mountain passes and unpredictable winter roads.

Additionally, Nissan USA has generously sponsored the fuel, ensuring each mile of this journey is covered. At the same time, Infiniti USA has come through with a major donation to assist with travel expenses for the team. Bridgestone has kindly provided Blizzak winter tires for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van to ensure the safety of the largest vehicle on the trip.

Animal lovers can learn more about this project and how to help by visiting AnimalRescueRigs.com or any of the partner rescue organizations, including Basset and Beagle Rescue of the Heartland, Cascade Beagle Rescue, Seattle Beagle Rescue, and Utah Beagle Rescue. You can also follow the journey on social media through the #OperationFrodo2024 hashtag on Facebook, BlueSky, Instagram and other channels.

Portland Tribune contributor Jeff Zurschmeide is among the journalists making the trip from Omaha to Beaverton.